The training session was about control, maneuvering the patrol cars through two obstacle courses and pushing the limits — both of the cars and the cadets.

EVOC was done at the Russellville Junior High Parking lot in the dark. It was actually dusk when EVOC began, but pitch black except for the artificial light source by the end of class.

Up first at EVOC was the backward obstacle course. Cadets watched several different RPD officers maneuver through the course quickly and smoothly.

The object: drive the patrol car backward through a meandering 7-foot-wide obstacle course without hitting any cones.

First up was Tommy Eddy, who managed to complete the course without knocking over any cones.

The class watched as one by one, each cadet took a turn driving a patrol car with an officer riding shot gun, directing as much as the cadet wanted through the course.

Everyone did surprisingly well. No records were broken and cones were knocked over and dragged along the car, but all in all, everyone performed better than anticipated.

Next was the much larger obstacle course that was meant to be taken at greater speeds, and the cars were driven forward.

The entire class was excited. It wasn’t the Indy 500, but for most it was the closest they would ever come to a race of that caliber.

Again, RPD officers drove the course several times to show the class what to expect and to give more of an idea what the cars were capable of.

Again, the goal was to complete the course is a timely manner without touching the cones. The course consisted of swerves, turns, straight-a-ways, a serpentine, backing up, and two extremely sharp curves.

Once in the driver seat, the passenger who assisted with directions was once again a RPD officer. Each cadet drove the course twice. On the second run, the cadet drove with lights and sirens on to simulate what an officer feels during a chase.

It was a rush!

Those who were afraid, or more timid, drove just as fast as everyone else. Cones were knocked over and one cadet actually drug four or five cones under the vehicle until the drive had to be stopped to remove the cones before he could complete the course.

It was a highlight for all, even the driver, who was a good sport. As for myself, a self-professed timid driver, I did better than I ever imagined I would.

The most intimidating part of the evening was manipulating the smaller course while driving backward.

I was the last to go and asked Det. Stephen Barker to give me detailed instructions about when to turn, which way to turn and when to straighten up. I think I could have driven the course blindfolded and just followed his instructions, he did such a great job.

I probably hit the most cones, but didn’t perform even close to as bad as I anticipated. My offical rating from Public Information Officer Drew Latch was 6 out of 10.

The “fun” obstacle course also made me nervous.

I rode in the passenger seat as Latch drove the course twice. The first time he hit quite a few cones, which he promptly blamed on me. Apparently, a screaming passenger is a distraction.

When it was my turn to drive, Latch encouraged me to not be scared, to go as fast as I felt comfortable and he, just like Barker, directed me through the course.

I loved it. I went faster and hit less cones than Latch expected. My rating was a 7 out of 10!

Near the end of the night, Lt. Keith Spears joined us at the course and several of us took turns riding with him. He’s the master of the course.

It was just like a ride at the fair with him at the wheel. He did do an amazing job and then several cadets took a third pass at the course. The third time was even faster.

It was a tad difficult to follow the speed limit on the way home. There was a definite need for speed and curves.